What Do You Know About Framing?

One of the most exciting periods of new home construction is the framing stage, when two-dimensional plans take on three-dimensional shape. As floors, walls, and a roof rise from the ground, the owners can envision the finished home and walk through its spaces.

As a professional builder, we are always seeking better ways to build. The framing stage provides several opportunities to construct a home faster and within the budget without sacrificing quality. The latest techniques for framing actually improve a home's structural integrity, performance, and durability. Here are just a few of the methods and materials we consider for this stage of construction:

Advanced framing. This technique removes unnecessary structural components like extra wall studs and blocking. By reducing the amount of lumber we use, we lower both costs and waste. Because it  increases quality and reduces waste, advanced framing is a tenet of sustainable green building practices around the country.

Engineered lumber. Engineered lumber is made from strands or chips of wood that are reassembled with glue, heat and pressure into large beams and I-shaped sections. Tough and stable, engineered lumber allows us to span the longer distances common in open floor plans and high ceilings. These products are frequently made from smaller and sustainably grown timber resources, instead of old-growth trees, which makes them more environmentally attractive, as well.

Panels and trusses. For decades, builders have used roof trusses (pre-made sections of the roof's frame) to build houses better and faster. The same technology is now applied to floors and walls, with similar benefits. Factory-built and quality-controlled panels and trusses allow us to create unique spaces almost impossible with traditional framing techniques. These components also reduce our waste stream, leaving a clean job site during what can be a very messy stage of construction.

While they may not look it, homes today are built quite differently than they were even a decade ago. Nowhere is this difference more evident than in the new framing products and techniques we now have at our command. These systems allow us to build more efficient, higher quality homes, delivering a final product that performs as promised and meets the needs and expectations of our owners.

Reason To Celebrate!

L-R - CTHBA Board Member - Anne Svetlik, SBC Owner - Steve Kendrick,
SBC Designer - Deborah Way & CTHBA Treasurer, Andy Barber

We are excited to announce that our team just received two Pinnacle awards at the Home Builders Association of SC's annual convention! Both awards were given to us for the Coastal Living Idea Cottage. This was the first year we submitted any of our homes on a state level, so you can imagine how awesome it was to hear "Structures Building Company" announced twice during the evening of the Celebration of Excellence!

We received our first award for Green Building - Best Overall and the second award was Green Building - Most Energy Efficient. While we would say we're a "green" builder, our definition of what it means to be green is often very different than what most envision. Green building to us doesn't necessarily mean bamboo floors and dual flush toilets as the buzz word suggests, though we can install those if you'd like. Rather green building to us is actually a healthier, more sustainable and durable way to build a quality home that will withstand Charleston's hot and humid environment. Most of the things that make our homes "green" aren't visible to the eye once the sheetrock goes up, instead they're actually incorporated in design and construction methods. We love taking the time to educate our clients on the different techniques. That way they are able to understand firsthand the science behind it and then choose different construction methods that we have adopted as our standard way of truly protecting the sustainability of their high performance home.

Over six years ago, Steve actually "stumbled" into green building. His vision since 1999 has always been and will continue to be the pursuit of building each home to the highest standard of excellence. According to Webster's dictionary the definition of pinnacle is the "highest point of development and achievement possible". I think it would be a fair and true statement to say that each home we are privileged to build, we build to the highest point of development and achievement possible!

To read more about our philosophy of Building Science click here.

Hats Off to Our Builder 20 Relatives in Colorado!

Congratulations to Charlie and Nancy Shea of Colorado! What an accomplishment for C.R. Shea Homes to receive the state's first National Association Home Builder's gold rating!

The article begins:

"A local custom home builder who was ready to build a spec home in Pine Creek when recession hit in 2007 decided to take a chance on the home with green building — and made history in the process. . ." Click here to read the full article.

The Greater Prize, Still Being Present. . .

Receiving the award for Best Custom Product for 2-3 million

Since our founding 10 years ago, Structures has entered Charleston’s annual Prism Awards, a ceremony that celebrates the best designs, craftsmanship, customer service and sales in the local building industry. Fortunately, we have walked out of the event with at least one award every year. Some years, frankly, I took it for granted that we should win an award, except for this year. This year was special.


The awards ceremony was held on a shoestring budget, no MC, there was a cash bar, and the feature speaker was our Charleston Trident Home Builders Association’s wonderful president, Tori Martindale of Atlantic Remodeling. Tori spoke about a year that was eerily similar to ours; one that included layoffs, paycuts, benefit cuts and a reduction in overhead that involved consolidating into a home office. The room was quiet and a few tears were shed, as she spoke about the challenges we’ve all faced this year. I also couldn’t help but notice how empty the room was. There were some new faces, but the faces of builder friends were few and far between. Many have lost their businesses or are starting over. Some likely didn’t have much to celebrate this year, it was humbling.


As I sat through the program and awards, I was again humbled as Structures did really well at this year’s event. We were recognized in a diverse group of categories;


1. The award for Affordable Housing for Latoya Palmer’s Habitat Home
2. Charleston’s Green Builder of the Year Award
3. The award for the Best Luxury Built Home for the Behren’s Residence
4. Custom Builder Customer Service Award from GuildQuality

Deborah Way receiving the award for Green Building Company

In receiving these awards, I'm humbled by the tireless determination and standard that comprises those within the Structures family and our amazing team of trades. We all share the same commitment for building “green” custom homes, regardless of size or budget. . . our high standard remains the same.


The awards mean more this year, because honestly, we're humbled and thankful to have made it through another year - a year that's strengthened each of us to the core. . .

Coastal Living Idea Cottage - Kitchen Video Tour & More. . .

Soak in the beautiful details that Lindsey Ellis Beatty, Coastal Living Market and Style Editor,will point out that went into this beautiful design. I remember when designer, Angie Hranowsky showed us the Ann Sacks designer tile for the kitchen wall - completely steals the show!



Check out other videos below that take you room by room through the Idea Cottage and a little tour of I'On Village where it's located! (videos are highlighted in red)

Enjoy the Overview of I'On Village to see the great landscape that surrounds the Jefferson Canal Courtyards where the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage was the first among 10 that will
be built in the heart of I'On Village along the Jefferson Canal.

Come tour through the Exterior and Courtyard details that set this right-sized cottage apart. Many minds have been working tirelessly to figure out how we can make it a low maintenance home that will stand the test of time. From Hardi siding, AAC block, and countless other "green" features that save on energy, efficiency and the wallet! Forget a home that's just "green" but also one that lends itself to a relaxed, simplified and comfortable lifestyle too. A private courtyard for calm evenings or lively parties - yours to decide!

The Master Bedroom is a great getaway that overlooks the Jefferson Canal as well as the private courtyard!

You won't know where to look over dinner in the Dining Room. The bottle cap artwork by Molly B. Right, draws a crowd, as well as the peaceful courtyard with the soothing sound that flows from the fountain along the stucco wall.

The Guest Suite is a hidden haven above the attached garage. Angie Hranowsky did an amazing job creating a soothing environment through the comfortable furnishings and colors that makes you want to sit down and stay for awhile.

Overlooking the Jefferson Canal Courtyard is the cozy Den. Grab the book you've been meaning to finish or curl up and watch a little T.V. in a space that can be closed off with pocket doors. Designed to be a "flex space", the den can also be turned into a 3rd bedroom option as it has direct access to a full bath. If you don't just love the novel idea of a fun sleeping nook, no worries, it can be turned into a walk-in closet, small office or wet bar.

Decorating Small Spaces? This cottage is chocked full of creative ideas in architecture and decorating details that are Caribbean/Island inspired. A beautiful mix of neutral and bold colors, vintage and modern - a new little twist to our beautiful Low Country!

If you missed an opportunity to tour through the home, please call us to schedule a private tour - we'd love the privilege of showing you around! 843.856.6901

Nothing Was Going To Rain On Our Parade (Or In This Case, Our Party)

Admiring Bottle Cap Artwork by Molly B. Right.

Chad Besenfelder, Geoff Graham and Steve Kendrick

"Over and above what we expected" is the best way to sum up the Coastal Living Idea Cottage party! After months of planning, every detail of the house was ready for its first debut- the tent arrived (and then a second tent, as it appeared that the clouds and rain would be our uninvited guest) caterer and steel drummer were ready to go, and five minutes after the start of the party, sprinkles began to fall from the sky. We all thought it would affect the attendance, but we estimate that close to 300 guests arrived to take in this beautiful home and celebrate alongside us!Peeking into the Sleeping Nook from the cozy Den
Enjoying the Festivities

Every direction you could see people all around, enjoying themselves and taking in the beautiful colors, designs and decor that local designer, Angie Hranowsky dreamed up for the Caribbean style home. Not to mention the attention to architectural detail by acclaimed, Historical Concepts and beautiful private courtyard design by Kerns Landscape Architecture.The Complete Coastal Living Idea Cottage team. (Left to right, Hutch Kerns and Tamra Graham from Kerns Landscape Architecture, Vince Graham, Nicole Hendrick, Idea Home Manager, Lindsay Bierman, Editor in Chief, Bill McDougald, VP, Southern Progress Homes Group, Melissa Bigner, Freelance Writer for Coastal Living magazine, Angie Hranowsky, Interior Designer, Deborah Way, Structures Building Company Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Steve Kendrick, Owner of Structures Building Company, Dave Hargis, Structures Building Company Project Manager, Kevin Clark, Historical Concepts, Rebecca Guertin, Historical Concepts and Dan Osborne, Historical Concepts)

We can't thank the Coastal Living magazine staff enough for making the trip to Charleston for the great celebration, Lindsay Bierman, Editor in Chief, Bill McDougald, VP, Southern Progress Homes Group, Sara Anderson, Executive Editor, Julia Rutland, Senior Editor -Food, Margaret Barnhart, Southeast Account Manager, Corinne Brown, Southeast Director -Travel/Real Estate and Nicole Hendrick, Idea Home Manager who lead so beautifully from start to finish!Lyles and Helen Geer, William Means Real Estate

Deborah Way, Structures Building Company, Tiffany Shanklin and Heidi Stroup of William Means Real Estate

Special thanks to Coastal Living magazine and William Means Real Estate for throwing an amazing party! Helen Lyles Geer, you have an incredible team that planned and took care of every detail from start to finish! We couldn't have done it without the countless hours of Drew Grossklaus, Heidi Stroup, Tiffany Shanklin and Sharon Jackson!

From start to finish, it's been an absolute success! Already the tours are under way and have been well attended for the first two weekends! Don't forget to plan a time to swing by to soak up some fresh ideas and support two amazing charities, East Cooper Habitat for Humanity and East Cooper Montessori Charter School. You may find that you just want to move right in!

Structures Building Company Team (Left to right, Amy Jenkinson, Accountant, Kristy Gorsuch, Design Manager, Steve Kendrick, Owner, Deborah Way, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, R.P. Newton, Production Manager and Dave Hargis, Project Manger)

photography by juliet elizabeth photography

Coastal Living Idea Cottage - Den Room Video Tour

Talented designer, Angie Hranowsky brought a bold and fun idea to the den through a beautiful and cozy plum that makes you want to curl up on the couch with one of the hundreds of books found on the floor to ceiling built-ins or watch a movie on a quiet evening. While it is a den, this flex room has the option to be used as a downstairs 3rd bedroom with access to full bathroom. The den also enjoys the views of the Jefferson Canal located in the heart of I'On Village.



structures.net

One Busy Week to Say the Least

The week started with Nicole Hendrick, Coastal Living Idea Home Manager, coming in from Alabama with interns, Kacy Eoff and Sarah Noel to stage the Idea Cottage for the photo shoot that is scheduled for June 29th-July 2nd. The Idea Home is the first of the 10 courtyard homes to be built in the canal project called the Jefferson Canal Courtyards.

Along with things hopping at the Idea Cottage, throughout the week we continued to wrap up some of the final details for David and Sandy Thomas on their newly renovated home on Kiawah Island. A punch out and Friday closing of our LEED certified I'On cottage located on 4 Perseverance Street for the new owner, Bruce Wofford. Along with a final walk-through with custom home clients, Van and Darlene Fischer for their new home on 8 Perseverance Street.

Exciting and a little hectic all at the same time, but completely worth it! We can't say enough great things about the newest members of the Structures Family!

Just as much as we stay on the cutting edge of the highest standards and techniques for building an incredible custom home, we also like to stay on the cutting edge of communication and technology. Keep up to date on this Charleston, SC Green Custom Home Builder through many different avenues.

1. The News/Event feeds - Just keep coming back to our Structures Building Company Home Page!
2. Our Company Blog - Great educational, informative and even humorous glances into our company as a whole and those things/people and organizations we truly value!
3. Our Company Newsletter - An educational and informative newsletter that we send out once a month by email. The topics include building pracitices, important tips that lend a hand as you walk through the Custom/Design Build process and "Green" tips that affect the health of you and your family as well as your investment!
4. Our Facebook Account - Structures BuildingCompany - Let's Be Friends! :-)
5. Twitter - Yep! That's what I said! You can now see little updates here and there on the latest and greatest of where on earth you might find us! StructuresSC

Coastal Living Idea Cottage Educational Video II

2009 Coastal Living idea Cottage Part 2 from I'On Group on Vimeo.

Coastal Living Idea Home Photo Journal

HomeSlicker being applied to the house!

The yellow mesh you see on the wrap of the house is installed to create a "drainage plane" for water to escape from behind the siding. This is another "green" building technique that is hidden from the eye but is in place with our homeowners health and investment in mind!

Building and Renovating Beautiful Homes

A breath taking view from a current renovation job on Kiawah Island

You've known that we build beautiful custom homes for 10 years, but we also love breathing new life into our clients homes by helping them with their delicate custom renovations. Have you found that you want to stay put for awhile but would love to make some changes? Do you need more room? Open up your existing floor plan? Do you have a view you can't part with but need major or minor renovations? Do you want to make your home more energy efficient and healthier for you and your family? We can help! Contact us to see how we can Build on Your Priorities and make it a reality for you!

Don't take our word for it, here's a quote from a past renovation client:

"When we first contacted Structures about our home renovations, while still living in Connecticut, we did so based on the excellent recommendations we had received from people living in the I'On neighborhood. What we didn't realize at the onset of this comprehensive project was the degree of care and concern Structures would bring to our project. Structures exceeded our expectations. Initially we felt we were entering into a purely business relationship, but it didn't take long for us to realize it was more personal. We have highly recommended the Structures team to others and we continue to enjoy living in a home that they truly brought back to life."

~ Tom and Wanda Martin

Coastal Living Idea Home Photo Journal

Coastal Living Idea Cottage Video Series: Hebel AAC block

Take a peek at the beginnings of the 2009 Coastal Living Cottage Home and learn more about the "green things" that are going on behind the walls.


2009 Coastal Living Idea House Part I from I'On Group on Vimeo.

Coastal Living Idea Home Photo Journal

Press Release: 2009 Coastal Living Idea Home

Groundbreaking Begins for 2009
Coastal Living Idea Home in I'On Village
LEED certified Courtyard Cottages to be built by Structures Building Company

February 13, 2009 – Mount Pleasant, SC – Today Coastal Living, I’On Group and Structures Building Company celebrated the groundbreaking for the 2009 Idea Home on Jefferson Canal in I’On. Ten years ago, Coastal Living built its first Idea Home in I’On on Sowell Street. Now the prestigious lifestyle publication is coming back to the neighborhood to celebrate a decade of success.

The Idea Home will be built by Structures Building Company, an I’On Guild Custom Builder that was 2007’s Builder of the Year. Steve Kendrick, Structures Building Company Owner says, "as a 10-year resident of the neighborhood, I’m proud to be building this unique home and excited to see the Jefferson Canal project come to fruition in I’On. It is a great opportunity to showcase our green building techniques and spread the word about the economic, environmental, and health benefits of living in a sustainable home.”

The home, located on a reserved property in the heart of the neighborhood, will feature Caribbean style architecture and a uniquely private courtyard. The home will be completed and open for tours in late July through mid-October. Tickets will be available for $10 on site and at I’On Realty. Proceeds from the tours will be donated to a local charitable organization. The furnished home will be offered for sale by I’On Realty and it will be the flagship home among 13 custom home offerings designed as the Courts at Jefferson Canal. A special section on the Idea Home will be featured in the October 2009 issue of Coastal Living.

“Many people mistakenly think that the neighborhood is complete. But there are almost 100 homesites that have not yet been built upon,” said Vincent Graham, President of I’On Group. “The selection of I’On for the 2009 Idea Home is a further testament of the enduring appeal of walkable neighborhoods. Over the last ten years I’On has evolved and improved as each new home adds value to the whole.”

Structures Building Company is an award-winning custom builder specializing in high quality, green-built homes in the Charleston area. I’On Group, is a nationally recognized, award-winning new urban development group based in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Coastal Living is a lifestyle magazine providing a definitive guide to comfort, simplicity and personal style. It is published by Southern Progress Corporation, a subsidiary of Time Inc.

NAHB - National Green Building Standard Approved

WASHINGTON D.C., Jan. 29 --The National Green Building Standard™ for all residential construction work including single-family homes, apartments and condos, land development and remodeling and renovation was approved today by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).


The approval signals a new era for the nation’s builders, remodelers and developers and also provides an extra measure of reassurance for home buyers, said Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa, Okla., and Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“The National Green Building Standard is now the first and only green building rating system approved by ANSI, making it the benchmark for green homes,” said Ron Jones, who chaired the consensus committee charged with developing the standard.


“The standard provides home builders and remodelers with a much more expansive third-party rating system that they can use to achieve green certification under NAHBGreen and the National Green Building Certification Program,” said Mike Luzier, CEO of the NAHB Research Center.


The Research Center provides certification for NAHBGreen projects, which until now have only included single-family homes. “Consumers are looking for authentic, verifiable green building practices, and now they’ll find them with a true industry consensus standard for residential green building,” Luzier said.


The "Standard" defines what green practices can be incorporated into residential development and construction and how home owners can operate and maintain their green homes.
But the National Green Building Standard also provides for flexibility – allowing home builders and home buyers to make green choices based on climate and geography as well as style preferences and budget.


As part of the stringent process required by ANSI, NAHB and the International Code Council gathered a fully inclusive and representative consensus committee composed of a broad spectrum of builders, architects, product manufacturers, regulators and environmental experts. The work of the consensus committee was administered by the NAHB Research Center, an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer.


The consensus committee deliberated the content of the standard for more than a year, held four public hearings and evaluated over 3,000 public comments in the development of the standard.

As the owner of Structures Building Company, it was through my own research and curiosity that caused me to take the necessary steps to be one of the first purveyors of the green building movement in the Charleston area. Quite simply, the more I discover and learn about the benefits of building a green home for the health and financial investment of my clients, as well as the environmental stewardship, the more I'm committed to learning and implementing energy conservation practices for the homes we are privileged to build.

The "Model" Home - The Way All Homes Were Intended to be Used

I'll never forget, after returning from his Builder 20 weekend in 2006, Steve announced to us that we were going to build a "green" model home. Though we weren't really sure of all the details, we were really excited as everything came together. Our main purpose was to have a place where we could meet our clients to work out the details for their own custom home. All of this was created in an effort to simplify the complex custom building process for our clients. Our model was such a great asset to us, but it doesn't stop there. . .

She was also known for her open door, to the local school board, planning meetings, book clubs, Habitat for Humanity planning and dreaming meetings and much more, but it still doesn't stop there. . .

If walls could talk, she would also tell of the:


Constant laughter she observed through the constant teasing, practical jokes and belly laughs that come from people who genuinely enjoy each others company. Great memories of birthday celebrations, Christmas dinner when everyone discovered that Amy was secretly a phenomenal cook and southern home cooked breakfasts around the dining room table. Even the serious and honest deep conversations often surfaced since we were among family.



Makes you think for a moment how much more we can "model" our own home in the same way. . . a place to knock out the business of life, reach out beyond ourselves into our community and most importantly, a place to invest in and love our family who lives within our four walls.

The Scoop on Snoopy's Shack

Special thanks to Aaron Austin and the following companies for their generous donation of coordination and hard work that made the Structures/Herlong custom green doghouse possible!

84 Lumber
Buck Lumber
Cahill Contracting
Carolina Tree Brokers
Craftsman Services II
EB Design
ELI
Liberty Cedar
Sharon’s Painting
Southern Foam & Coating
Stock Building Supply

All the proceeds from the Daniel Island Park Day raffle went to the Rescue Resource Foundation!

Charleston Green Fair

This coming Sunday, September 28th, Charleston will host their 1st Annual Green Fair. This fun and educational event will be great for all ages and a perfect outing for the family. The fair will take place in Marion Square from 12-6pm and the event is FREE.

The purpose of the event is to introduce products, services and new technologies available to us in the Lowcountry. As you wander through over 75 booths, some of the topics and resources will include, Energy/Transportation, Health/Wellness and Green Building. Along with great educational resources, you can enjoy the delicious food vendors including Home Team Barbecue, Aluette, Taco Boy, Monza, The Glass Onion and Good Food Catering. What kind of fun things will you be able to do as a family? A demonstration by the South Carolina Aquarium and Children's museum, Puppet shows and a rock climbing wall.

What a great opportunity to support and enjoy "green" education and entertainment!